Ben Stokes To Miss England Vs Sri Lanka Test Series Due To Hamstring Injury

Ben Stokes, the England cricket captain, has been sidelined from the upcoming three-match Test series against Sri Lanka due to a left hamstring injury. The injury occurred while he was playing for the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.

During a match against Manchester Originals at Old Trafford, Stokes pulled up while running between the wickets. He was attempting a quick single from the non-striker's end when he appeared to clutch his left hamstring. Before this incident, he had bowled 15 balls and had to retire hurt after scoring just 2 runs.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Tuesday, August 13, that Stokes would miss the rest of the summer. "England Men's Test Captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out for the rest of the summer after tearing his left hamstring while playing for Northern Superchargers in The Hundred on Sunday," stated ECB.

Following scans conducted in Leeds, it was determined that Stokes would not participate in England's three-match Rothesay Test series against Sri Lanka, starting at Emirates Old Trafford on Wednesday, August 21. The ECB also mentioned that no additional players would be added to the squad for this series.

With Stokes unavailable, vice-captain Ollie Pope will take over as captain for the three Tests against Sri Lanka. After these matches, England is set to host Australia for eight white-ball games. However, Stokes is expected to return from his injury during England's tour of Pakistan.

The Three Lions are scheduled to play a three-match Test series in Pakistan starting October 7 in Multan. The second Test will be held from October 15 in Karachi, followed by the third Test in Rawalpindi beginning October 24.

England Squad Details

The squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka includes: Ollie Pope (captain), Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, and Mark Wood.

This injury is a significant setback for England as they prepare for crucial matches ahead. Fans eagerly await Stokes' recovery and return to action later this year.